Interview: Don’t jump the bandwagon for the freebies: Closet Buddies, Juhi Bansal

“I have nothing to wear!” is a statement every human has said when they open their wardrobe. But, no worries, Juhi Bansal is here with her blog Closet Buddies, for you to borrow style.

Most of her looks are created with what she already has in her closet, you can do the same. Read on to know more.

Looking back, where did it all begin?

The idea seeded about 7 years ago when I used to do sessions on “employability skills” at various B-schools and my session on Corporate Dressing was always a hit. Students would write in with queries not only about professional attire but what they should wear to parties, date nights, about styling in general. I realized I was answering the same questions several times over so I thought why not start a blog. And, thus Closet Buddies happened a little over 6 years ago.

What's in the name?

I had wanted Closet Buddies to be a place where buddies could share their closets. Borrow, sell or simply get feedback. Also, Every morning millions of girls like me wake up, look at their closet and exclaim, “I have nothing to wear!” We are all buddies in that sense, hence Closet Buddies.

Psst: CB shares its initials with Carrie Bradshaw, one fashion icon we all look up to!

What is your USP in this cluttered space? How does your content give you an edge?

I believe I am very true to my voice as a girl next door. I am no expert and have never claimed to be. Also, I always talk about breaking fashion rules rather than toeing the line and the fact that less is more. Most of my looks can be created with what you already have in your closet because I do the same.

Please take us through your content creation process. How do you stay relevant and relatable?

I talk about stuff that’s happening with me every day. Good, bad, ugly. My readers can relate to the fact that I am a mere mortal too- I don’t exaggerate my life at all. So many people write into be saying that is inspiring. To have an ordinary life and still make extraordinary efforts.

How do you take moolah with your efforts?

Content creation takes time especially in my case when I already have a full time job and a daughter who needs equal attention. I take up very limited projects (about one a month) and take time to create content around it. I have a team looking after every aspect of content- photography, makeup, website development etc. Ofcourse, this means that I may be slightly more expensive than the going rate. Repeat brands and clients is my only testimony.

Also Read: Interview: Being myself and sharing my truth is my USP: Anupriya Kapur, Mom On The Run

How do you maintain editorial objectivity with the influx of brand briefs?

I will not lie - in the past I have fallen prey to good payouts a few times. But, increasingly, I preach what I practice personally. My readers believe in me and my biggest payback is making sure I am objective in my content.

One instance/experience that made it all worthwhile

Oh everytime someone writes into me saying they admire what I do, so basically every day.

Weirdest brand brief/request ever

A hospitality brand expecting me to pretend there’s a swimming pool when there was none in the property!

If not blogging, you would be?

Doing my other dream job of an educationist who tries to make a difference. Oh wait, I am doing that as well!

A day in your life….

I have a full time job at Ahmedabad University and a 4 year old daughter so my mornings start early with all of us trying to get ready for work/school, eating breakfast and making sure we reach our destinations in time. After a full day at work, I try to hit the gym in the evening, then it’s dinner time with the husband and baby- reading and tuck in time with the little one, couple TV time once the baby’s slept and then alone reading time once the husband has slept too.

Oh, and the content creation for the blog happens on weekends.

Message/tips for upcoming bloggers

Don’t jump the bandwagon because of the goodies/freebies. It’s hard work and requires a lot of discipline. Every year I see as many people quit blogging as the number who joined. You can only sustain if you’re true to your work.

Your Favorite Influencer

Shereen Love Bug. I love her quirky sense of style!

The Future you foresee for your Personal Brand

Over the years, CB has grown with me. Whatever direction my life has taken, it has moved with me. I may have started as a fashion blogger, I am currently more popular for my mommy blogs and travel logs which are about travelling with a baby on budget.